Abstract

The first observations on the reproductive biology of the alien polychaete Branchiomma bairdi (McIntosh, 1885) (Sabellidae) in the Mediterranean Sea are provided as well as additional Mediterranean records of the species, which can help to understand its introduction and spreading. Re-examination of the specimens from Miseno harbour (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) revealed the presence of B. bairdi in the central-Mediterranean since September 2004. The histological study of individuals collected in Malta revealed that the species is a simultaneous hermaphrodite, developing male and female gametes in the same body segments; embryos are brooded inside the parent tube. However, there is also evidence of asexual reproduction. The species shows a different reproductive pattern from the previously reported population from the eastern-Pacific; this demonstrates its great plasticity and adaptability. Branchiomma bairdi has an invasive behaviour, colonizing large areas in relatively short-time, and reaching relatively high densities (c.a. 50 individuals/m2). Its expansion to several Mediterranean localities is largely a consequence of the high capacity of this species to colonize extremely different habitats and substrates, the occurrence of sexual and asexual reproductive strategies, and the combination of both. Furthermore, B. bairdi appears to be particularly abundant in confined areas and areas degraded due to anthropogenic impacts. Finally, our findings strongly suggest that the pathway of introduction in the Mediterranean, previously hypothesized as the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration), is most likely via the Strait of Gibraltar.

Autore Pugliese

• Giangrande Adriana

Tutti gli autori

• A. ARIAS , A. GIANGRANDE , M. C. GAMBI , N. ANADÓN

Titolo volume/Rivista

MEDITERRANEAN MARINE SCIENCE

Anno di pubblicazione

2013

ISSN

1791-6763

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

23

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Numero di citazioni Scopus

25

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

28/04/2018

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile